One of my favorite design elements for an event is the “Lounge”.  Creating a lounge environment or lounge seating area allows guests the opportunity to sit, relax, chat, enjoy a cocktail and take in the ambiance whether the event is inside or out.

Creating a lounge space can be done many ways, from the simple DIY to the elaborate and over the top.  If you are hosting an event at your home in your backyard and are a DIY’er…cover an old mattress (full or larger) with an amazing fabric, place throws and coordinating pillows in the center of the mattress, position like chairs opposite each of the four edges of the mattress with a small table and viola…instant lounge.

If you are throwing a big fancy soiree and want a more elaborate design, an event pro can design a look using drapery, daybeds, sofas, ottomans, cool chairs, coffee tables, end-tables and finish it off by adding table lamps, pillows, floral arrangements, serving trays and candles.  The possibilities, configurations and décor styles are endless.

Selecting a photographer for your event is possibly the most important hire you’ll make. To find the right shutterbug for your sioree, start early and shop around.  Here are 10 helpful tips…

Suit Your Style

Before you start calling photographers, first decide which visual style suits your party. Photographers fall into three general categories: photojournalists, traditional photographers, and those with a balanced bag of tricks. If you love candid black-and-white action shots, you’re probably leaning toward a photojournalist. If you prefer portraits and posed shots, a traditionalist is for you.

Make a List

Start compiling a list of candidates by flipping through the albums of any friends or family who have recently celebrated a big day whether it is a wedding, bat/bar mitzvah, or anniversary. Other sources include experts you’ve been working with on other aspects of your party (event coordinator, caterers, etc.).

Set Meetings

Don’t underestimate the importance of liking, if not bonding, with your photographer. Some of the best photos of your party may well be those taken behind the scenes, and you need to be comfortable about inviting him or her backstage. This person will also have a lot of contact with your family and friends, and in general be a very visible “guest” at your party. To get the best photos, he or she has to be assertive enough to hunt for great moments, cajoling enough to coax relaxed smiles and natural stances from guests, and calm enough to be a positive force. He or she should ask lots of questions and be a good listener. Trust your gut: If anything about him or her rubs you the wrong way, keep looking.

Choose Wisely

Seasoned event photographers have what’s called a “book,” a portfolio of their best work to show potential clients. If a candidate doesn’t have one, think twice.  Browse the book, look for crisp images, thoughtful compositions and good lighting. Do the more journalistic shots convey a sense of emotion? Do people in the portraits look relaxed?

Technical Questions

Does he or she shoot in medium format, digital or only 35mm? If the photographer has only one standard 35mm camera and you want to get some poster-size portraits for Grandma, you’ll want to find someone who can shoot in medium format (the larger negative retains its crisp image at larger magnifications than 35mm — or “small-format” — film). Make sure he or she brings a backup set of equipment in case of malfunction or other snafu.

Review References

Request two to three references for the two photographers you feel most strongly about. If a photographer is reluctant to give you a list of prior clients, cross her off your list. Ask the references if they would they recommend this person to their best friend. Was the photographer on time, well dressed,professional throughout the event? Did guests have any comments — negative or positive?

Confirm Costs

Expect to spend at least $1,500 and easily up to $4,000 on the photographer. You’re paying for the cameraman’s time at your party, plus all post-production work, such as developing the prints — by hand and one at a time in a traditional darkroom in some cases. Special effects and more time at the event will, of course, cost extra. If you’re on a tight budget, ask about the most basic package.

Ask About Online

Sharing photos on the Internet has become the norm. How does your photographer do it? Is he or she partnered with a service which can post your album online? A lot of people like this option because it allows you to share the entire event’s worth of pictures without carting around the proof book — and guests and family don’t have to go through you to order prints.

Double-Check the Details

Many larger studios have several photographers on staff. Since every professional has a different style, technique, and personality, you need to make sure that the one you interview and “click” with will be the same one to work your party.

Get it in Writing

We know you know this, but we have to say it anyway: Get every detail in writing. Also important: Don’t sign anything if a studio claims it has the right to send any staff photographer to your party and you feel uneasy about even one person in their stable of photographers; if you sign, that’s the one you’ll inevitably get.

Pantone 17-1463, Tangerine Tango is described as “a spirited reddish orange, that provides the needed energy boost to recharge and move forward.”

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

“Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike.  Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.”

Your child’s Bar Mitzvah is all about family, friends, spirituality and celebration.  Basically, your planning their biggest birthday party to date and quite possibly ever…so, where does one start with such an overwhelming task?  Keep reading.

Working with a Pro ~ Consider hiring a professional event planner to turn ideas into reality.  A great planner can offer theme ideas, design inspiration, entertainment suggestions, catering ideas, etc and most importantly negotiate with vendors.  The planner takes away the stress and worries, keeping things running on time and on budget.

Balancing Act ~ Every parent wants the best for their child and wants to throw an amazing Bar Mitzvah.  But your ideas of amazing aren’t always exactly the same as what your child thinks is amazing…that’s a problem.  Its all about compromise and this is a perfect area of expertise where an event planner comes in handy.  The planner can listen to both sides and help sort things out so everyone is happy.

Wish List vs Guest List ~ Chances are you are going to want to invite all of your family and friends and then some more friends and distant relatives…the guest list can sometimes get out of hand.  First things first, make a ‘Wishlist’, anyone and everyone you could possibly invite, then start trimming the list down to fit your budget and venue size.

Strike a Pose ~ Book your photographer well in advance.  Good event photographers can book up a year in advance.  Meet with a few photographers to compare styles, costs and personalities.  Yes, personalities…the photographer is going to be with you and your family for hours taking personal photos and you want to feel comfortable and relaxed around them.

Hey DJ, Get this Party Started! ~ One of the most important ingredients to any great party is the music.  A great DJ knows how to keep the energy going, read the guests, get them engaged, keep their attention and overall, be a great entertainer.  Spend some time with your DJ discussing the playlists, songs you like, those you don’t and even what games and prizes you want your guests to enjoy.

It’s a party, lets have some fun!

Turkey is generally the centerpiece of everyone’s Thanksgiving meal.  The ultimate goal is to prepare it so it will be tender and succulent with the meat practically falling off the bone. There are several ways to cook a moist juicy bird.

When I look back at past Thanksgiving meals with my family, I think about having to cover the turkey with so much gravy because its dry. Fortunately, there are delicious ingredients that can assist this from occurring.

Below are ATE great recipes to cook your T-Bird…

1. Martha Stewart’s roast turkey
2. Brined, herb roast turkey
3. Adobo tukey with red-chili gravy
4. Citrus marinated turkey
5. Chili-roasted turkey with chorizo-corn bread stuffing
6. Smoked turkey with barbecue gravy
7. Porcini mushroom turkey with mushroom gravy
8. Miso-rubbed turkey with turkey gravy

What are some of your favorite turkeys for Thanksgiving?

*Links courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com/food

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, small or large event, these tips will help make the party a success!

• Make sure the band has their own sound system and back-line (instruments) If you have to provide, that’s an extra cost to you.
• Does the entertainment have or need wireless microphones? This is especially important for weddings when it is time for speeches.
• Review the playlist with the band to make sure they are playing the music you love and that it’s appropriate for the event.
• Always have a contract! Specify start and end times, breaks, composition of the musical group, payment schedule and cost.
• Find out ahead of time if there are any noise restrictions at your venue. Getting the music shut down in the middle of your event is never fun.
• Make sure that your band is illuminated! Your event planner or lighting company will be able to provide this for you.
• Always see your band perform before you book them!

Enjoy the show!

One of my fondest childhood memories was going to the local department store with friends and putting a few coins in the photobooth.  We would sit there, pose, make faces, wait a minute for the filmstrip to develop and laugh. There was and still is an instant gratification when the photostrip drops down to be grabbed and shared with friends.

Whenever possible at events, I like to suggest a photobooth…weddings, bar or bat mitzvahs, corporate events, wrap parties, etc…a photobooth is always a huge hit with guests.  One of my favorite photobooth vendors is Photoworks Interactive.  They offer amazing retro styled booths with today’s technology, combined with background and strip customization, props and even corporate logo booth wraps.

If you live in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas or Utah chances are you have tasted the deliciousness of In-N-Out Burger.  If you haven’t and you like burgers, get in your car and go to one immediately or least in the next few weeks.  Founded in 1948 as California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand, their philosophy is simple… “Give customers the freshest, highest quality foods you can buy and provide them with friendly service in a sparkling clean environment.”  The same philosophy holds true for their “On-the-Go” Burger truck.  In-N-Out’s food truck and trailers are a great option to cater your next company picnic, party or special event and your guests will genuinely get excited when they see this truck.

If you like small tasty treats that combine cake and chocolate…you must try Lollibakes!  Lollibake are the creation of Diana Sproveri.  They take cupcakes to the next level of deliciousness.  These amazing bite sized cake treats are served on a lollipop stick, covered with chocolate and sprinkled with ‘flair’.

“I love making Lollibakes,” says Lollibakes dessert baker Diana Sproveri. “They’re like creating little works of art. I have so much fun coming up with new flavors and being creative.”

Since each item is hand made, prices and available flavors vary…Lollibakes can be found at select gourmet markets in Los Angeles and also ordered at www.dianasproveri.com.  Lollibakes make a great gift or serve them at your next soiree.

Who doesn’t love an ice pop on a hot day?  Here are a few suggestions for making fresh, unique, fun and delicious frozen snacks all of your guests will enjoy.

Honeydew Cucumber Margarita Popsicle

Makes five 2-and-1/4-oz. popsicles

1 cup honeydew juice (approximately a whole melon weighing 1lb)
1/3 cup cucumber juice (approximately half a cucumber weighing 5oz.)
½ cup tequila (or omit)
1 tablespoon triple sec
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon mint simple syrup
3 large mint sprigs

Instructions:  Place the honeydew and cucumber in a food processor or a blender and process until everything is pureed. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice and mint syrup and process for another 20-30 seconds to blend well. Pour mixture into popsicles molds or similar sized glasses.  Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds.

Watermelon Mojito Popsicles

Makes 12 2.5 oz Popsicles

8oz. watermelon juice (2 ½ cups chopped watermelon)
2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz. simple mint syrup (recipe follows)
8 oz. light rum (or omit)
14 oz. club soda

Instructions:  Place chopped watermelon in a food processor or blender and process until watermelon is juiced (will be slightly pulpy).  Combine watermelon juice, lime juice, mint syrup and rum in a shaker and shake well. Fill popsicle molds or similar sized glasses, 3/4 of the way up with mixture. Fill remaining popsicle mold with club soda and stir to combine.  Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds.

Mint Syrup (for both of the above recipes)
(You will have more syrup than you need. Save for other cocktail uses)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cups sugar
1 cup mint leaves, loosely packed

Instructions:  Place sugar and water in a pot over heat until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature and place mint leaves in mixture and muddle. Allow mint leaves to steep for 20 minutes. Strain and discard leaves. (Depending on the fine-ness of the sieve tiny pieces may remain).

Or for an even simpler recipe, try an Arnold Palmer Pop.  Iced tea, lemonade, little soda water and freeze with a stick.